quick quoteBoth heat pumps and furnaces can be good options for heating your home, depending on the local climate. However, a heat pump is generally the best option in places like Kentucky that experience fairly mild winter temperatures. To understand why let’s look at how heat pumps work and what benefits they provide compared to furnaces.
What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?
A heat pump is a special type of HVAC unit that can be used for both heating and air conditioning. If your home has a fairly new AC unit and you’re not looking to replace it any time soon, you may still be better off going with a traditional furnace. If not, then a heat pump is probably the better choice.
Heat pumps and air conditioners use refrigerant to remove heat from a house. The difference is that heat pumps can run in reverse and provide heating. Instead of using a refrigerant to absorb heat from indoors, the heat pump can absorb heat from the air outside your home.
Heat pumps work by using a heat transfer process. When the refrigerant is colder than the air surrounding it, heat energy flows from the air into the refrigerant. This raises the temperature of the refrigerant, and the heated refrigerant then flows into the air handler inside your home. Your HVAC system circulates cool air over the refrigerant, transferring the heat to the air. This heated air is distributed throughout the house to raise the indoor temperature.
Benefits of Choosing a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are great because they mean that you don’t need separate units for heating and AC. However, the most significant advantage is energy efficiency, as heat pumps can be up to 200% more efficient than furnaces. Heat pumps can technically work in below-zero temperatures, but their energy efficiency decreases as outdoor temperatures fall. They are at their most efficient when the weather is above freezing, which is why they are such a great choice for Kentucky residents.
At HVAC Services, we install furnaces and heat pumps and can help you decide on the best option for your home. We also repair and maintain heating systems and air conditioners. We serve residential and commercial customers in Glasgow and South Central Kentucky. Contact us today if you have any questions about heat pumps or need any HVAC services.
